Module: The Aviation Sector & Flying Theory 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	The Aviation Sector & Flying Theory 2
Module Code	MNA1034 (ITS: EE162)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aviation industry is a vast industry with a wide diversity of interconnected roles. Safety and efficiency is compromised when these roles become compartmentalized and the people involved do not appreciate the issues, terminology and patterns of thinking of other roles. Because the private pilot’s licence (PPL) brings the holder into contact with many of the aspects of the aviation industry that are outside normal business domains, the associated PPL Theoretical Knowledge course is a useful structure guide how to introduce students to the diverse technologies and operations of this industry. This module (MNA1034) and its precursor module (MNA1033) will supplement the classroom content by a range of means that give the student an overview of how the sector and different roles within it work. The aim of the module is • To continue the student's introduction to the technologies and operations of the aviation industry through a further subset of the theoretical knowledge required for gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence • To continue the student's introduction to the broad scope of technical, legislative, personal, knowledge and skills requirements that are a foundation for many activities and roles in the aviation sector. The module content is aligned with part of the EASA Part-FCL PPL Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus. However, the focus in the classroom is not on pilot training, but on what all aviation industry professionals can usefully learn from the topics included in this syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a general technical knowledge of aircraft components, construction and safety factors, of piston engine aircraft powerplants and their components, and of instruments used in light aircraft and their operation.
2. Link the previous general technical knowledge to decision-making in case studies or hypothetical scenarios that demonstrate an appropriate balance between safety and risk in the operation of light aircraft.
3. Describe and explain the principles of aircraft navigation and of issues that constrain the performance of an aircraft in all phases of flight.
4. Plan a VFR cross-country flight, including aircraft performance calculations, fuel planning, and navigation planning.
5. Use a knowledge of airworthiness requirements, national and international air law, and operational procedures requirements to plan a flight that is fully in compliance with all of these requirements

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Overviews, study guidance and guest lectures
Workshop	4	Practice workshop on VFR Flight Planning, followed by a for-credit exercise covering the same task.
Independent Study	97	Self-directed learning using supplied materials, and materials sourced by the student themselves
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20418	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	30%	Examination Weight	70%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Donnacha Lowney	Module Teacher	Darragh Owens, Noel Murphy, Viktoriia Ivannikova

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	Formative assessment using in-class MCQ-style, usually on a weekly basis to encourage engagement with the material before it is presented in class.	15%	n/a
Practical/skills evaluation	This may vary from year to year, but an example would be the end-to-end planning of a cross-country flight in a light aircraft culminating in a fly/no-fly decision taking all relevant factors into account;	15%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Aircraft general knowledge
Airframe, powerplant, systems, instruments, airworthiness.

Aircraft navigation
The principles of flight navigation including dead-reckoning, flight planning, practical navigation and radio navigation

Flight performance and planning
Mass and balance; Aircraft performance in takeoff, cruise and landing phases of flight.

Air Law
National and International legislation applicable to aviation applied primarily through the ICAO Principles and Regulations.

Aircraft operational procedures
A selection of topics relating to ICAO Annex 6, EASA Air Operations Regulations, and Special Operational Procedures relating to hazards

Indicative Reading List

Books:

UK CAA: 0, Safety Sense Leaflets, available electronically for free download, https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/safety-topics/safety-sense-leaflets/,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

Approved